Weighing scale with level compensating foot assembly

ABSTRACT

A foot assembly for a weighing scale comprises a base, a ring arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base; and a plurality of deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly from a portion of the base so as to support the ring.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/215,826, filed Aug. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,151,232, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/695,216, filed Oct.28, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,776, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/213,289, filed Aug. 6, 2002, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,639,158, and entitled “Weighing Scale with Level CompensatingFoot Assembly”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electronic type platform weighingsystems, and more particularly to a free-standing scale having animproved base member for aligning parts of the scale.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many different types of electronic weighing scales in usetoday. One popular type of electronic weighing scale is constructed witha platform for receiving the load to be weighed and a set of levers,pivots, flexures, and torque tubes to mechanically combine the forcesapplied to the platform by the load. The combined forces are thenapplied to a single electronic load cell to yield the weight of theload. The load cell is typically constructed with amechanically-deformable sensor plate which operates as a forcetransducer. The sensor plate includes one or more sensor elements thatserve to convert the mechanical bending forces of the sensor plate intoelectrical signals. When a load is applied to such a load cell, thesensor elements produce electrical signals which are proportional to theload applied to the load cell.

Many load cells utilize a measurement beam which carries all or a partof the load to be measured and thus deforms as a function of the weightof the load. Load cell measurement beams are typically either of twotypes, bending beams or shear beams. Bending beams undergo bendingstrains that vary as a function of the weight of the load applied to thebeams, while shear beams undergo shear strains that vary as a functionof the weight of the load applied to the beams. Strain measuringdevices, such as strain gauges or the like, are normally mounted on thebeams to measure the magnitude of the load induced bending strains inbending beams or the load induced shear strains in shear beams.

The accuracy of load cells employing bending beams and shear beams ishighly dependent on the manner in which the beams are supported and/orhow the loads are coupled to the beams. Ideally, changes in the loadinduced deformation of the beam, i.e., the bending strain or shearstrain, should be solely a function of changes in the weight of theload. If the structure that either supports the beam or couples the loadto the beam applies rotational moments or twisting torques to the beam,then the deformation of the beam will not be a true indication of theweight of the load.

Not only should the beam be supported and/or loaded in a manner thatdoes not apply rotational moments or twisting torques to the beam, butthe beam supporting or loading structure should not restrain the beamfrom the load induced deformations that are to be measured. For example,for a beam that is freely supported at each end, i.e., a non-cantileverbeam, the support structure should allow the ends of the beam to freelypivot.

The location at which the beam is supported and/or the location wherethe load is applied to the beam can also affect the accuracy of loadcells using measurement beams. In particular, it is important that thebeams be symmetrically supported and loaded so that the weight induceddeformation of the beam is symmetrical.

The foregoing problems in the art can exist in any weighing scale thatemploys measurement beams, and can be especially exasperated by theplacement of the scale on an uneven support surface. As a result ofsupporting the weighing scale on an even surface there can be largevariations in both the direction and the location that the load isapplied to the bending beams and shear beams through the supportstructure.

In the past, attempts have been made to ensure the proper direction andlocation of beam support and loading by either using complex and costlymechanical coupling mechanisms or by attempting to electricallycompensate for the inaccuracies. For example, in U.S. Pat. No.4,554,987, a scale assembly is provided that includes a platform whichis supported by a plurality of force transmitting assemblies. The forcetransmitting assemblies and platform cooperate to automatically centerthe platform relative to an enclosing structure and to align the forcetransmitting assemblies and platform. The automatic centering of theplatform and aligning of the force transmitting assemblies isaccomplished by moving the platform back and forth in sidewaysdirections against stops which limit motion of the platform. Centeringthe platform and aligning the force transmitting assemblies is claimedto be effective to eliminate sideward force components on load cells.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,638, a portable load scale is disclosed for usein rugged terrain or at locations without suitable support pads. Theload scale includes a support deck affixed to a base platform through aplural number of load cells. The base platform is constructed to provideramp members joined by longitudinal runner assemblies to form a rigid,non-flexing assembly having a central gap and gaps between pairs of rampmembers to reduce the standard rectangular footprint by approximatelythirty percent. The runner assemblies are constructed so that the bottomof the support deck is separated from the top of the base plate of therunner assemblies by a distance of several inches. The load cells aremounted onto the underside of the support deck and joined to the baseplatform by ball bushings such that the load cells can pivot in any orabout all axis directions relative to the base platform to relievestresses induced by uneven terrain.

None of the prior art weighing systems have proved to be whollysatisfactory, especially when the weighing system is also to beportable, light weight, and of a size that is appropriate for table topapplications. There remains a need for an improved structure thatsupports the beams, or couples the load to the beams, to reduce orprevent the application of unwanted rotational moments or twistingtorques to the beam system, so that the deformation of the beam will bea true indication of the weight of the load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a weighing scale comprises aplatform operatively coupled to a plurality of foot assemblies. Eachfoot assembly comprises a base having a bottom surface for contacting aportion of a floor, a retaining member arranged in spaced relation tothe base; and a plurality of deformable compensation beams projectingoutward from a portion of the base to support the retaining member. Aplurality of force transfer beams are arranged to operativelyinterconnect to the plurality of foot assemblies. A mounting portion iscoupled to a bottom surface of the platform and associated with each ofthe plurality of foot assemblies. In response to a force applied to atop surface of the platform, the force is translated to the mountingportion engaging the bottom surface without the platform contacting theforce transfer beams, to cause a downward force to be applied to thefoot assemblies. The deformable beams tend to locate the applied forceat a central position where the foot assemblies engage the forcetransfer beams.

In another embodiment, a foot assembly for a weighing scale comprises abase, a ring arranged in coaxial spaced relation to the base; and aplurality of deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly from aportion of the base so as to support the ring.

In another embodiment of the invention, a weighing scale is providedincluding a platform coupled to a mounting tray, where the mounting trayhas a plurality of apertures. A weight determination assembly ispositioned between the platform and the mounting tray. A plurality offorce transfer beams are arranged within the mounting tray so as tosubstantially support the platform and the mounting tray such that themounting tray is isolated from a support surface. In this way, forcesthat are applied to the weighing scale by the placement of a load on theplatform are transferred to the plurality of force transfer beams,without direct interaction between the mounting tray and the supportsurface. A plurality of foot assemblies are positioned within theapertures and operatively interconnected to the plurality of forcetransfer beams. Each of the foot assemblies includes a base having aplurality of compensation beams that project radially outwardly so as tosupport a ring that is coupled to the mounting tray. In this way, if asupport surface onto which the weighing scale is placed is canted atsome angle, the compensation beams twist and/or bend so as to take upand compensate for any unwanted rotational moments or twisting torques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bemore fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are tobe considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein likenumbers refer to like parts and further wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a weighing scale formed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weighing scale shown in FIG. 1, withthe platform removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 3 is a partially broken away, exploded perspective view of a footassembly and primary beam formed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a partially broken away, perspective view of the foot assemblyshown in FIG. 3, assembled in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partially broken away, exploded perspective view of a footassembly and secondary beam formed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a partially broken away, perspective view of the foot assemblyshown in FIG. 5, assembled in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled foot assembly shown inFIG. 4, as taken along the lines 7-7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the foot assembly shown in FIGS. 4and 7, as taken along the lines 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled foot assembly shown inFIG. 6, as taken along the lines 9-9 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the foot assembly shown in FIGS. 6and 9, as taken along the lines 10-10 in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown in FIG. 10, butillustrating the affect of an uneven support surface on the footassembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be consideredpart of the entire written description of this invention. The drawingfigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of theinvention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematicform in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description,relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and“bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,”“downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to theorientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure underdiscussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description andnormally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Termsincluding “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral”and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relativeto an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, asappropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, suchas “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship whereinstructures are secured or attached to one another either directly orindirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable orrigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly describedotherwise. The term “operatively connected or interconnected” is such anattachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structuresto operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims,means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structuresdescribed, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description ordrawings for performing the recited function, including not onlystructural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a scale 10 formed in accordance with thepresent invention includes a platform 12, a mounting tray 14, a forcetransfer assembly 16, a weight determination assembly 18, and a display20. More particularly, platform 12 is sized and shaped so as to bepositioned in overlying relation to mounting tray 14. Platform 12 andmounting tray 14 are often rectilinearly shaped, and are normally formedfrom either metal or a stiff polymer. Other shapes are also possible foruse with the present invention. Platform 12 and mounting tray 14 arecoupled to one another along a peripheral edge 21 in a conventionalmanner, e.g., mechanical fasteners, welds, adhesive bonding, or thelike. A receiving surface of platform 12, upon which a load may beplaced, is often covered by a vinyl or plastic sheet 23 so as to providea non-slip surface.

Mounting tray 14 is typically molded from a suitable engineeringpolymer, or formed (i.e., stamped or drawn from a suitable metal sheet)so as to have an annular wall 24 supporting peripheral edge 21, andsurrounding a central, channeled surface 25 (FIG. 2). A plurality ofapertures 27 are defined through portions of central surface 25 inspaced apart relation to one another. For example, when scale 10comprises a rectilinear shape, apertures 27 are located in the cornersof mounting tray 14. A vertically oriented slot 30 is defined within theportion of wall 24 that is adjacent to a respective one of each ofplurality of apertures 27. A plurality of recessed channels 29 are alsoformed in central surface 25 of mounting tray 14. Plurality of recessedchannels 29 are sized and arranged in central surface 25 so as toreceive and locate portions of force transfer assembly 16, weightdetermination assembly 18, and display 20.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, force transfer assembly 16 includes a pair ofprimary beams 36, a pair of secondary beams 38, and a plurality of footassemblies 40. More particularly, each primary beam 36 is formed from asubstantially flat strip of metal often having a length that is largerthan its width, and a width that is larger than its thickness, e.g. athin, elongate plate. Primary beams 36 each include a foot engagementend 42 and a sensor engagement end 44. Each foot engagement end 42includes a substantially “V” shaped pier-notch 48, a substantially “V”shaped tray-notch 50, a cam lock 51 and at least one platform supportpad 52 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Pier-notch 48 and tray-notch 50 open ontodifferent edges of foot engagement end 42. Primary beams 36 are arrangedwithin channels 29 of central surface 25 such that sensor engagementends 44 are located adjacent to one another and to weight determinationassembly 18 (FIG. 2). Each sensor engagement end 44 is adapted tooperatively engage a portion of weight determination assembly 18. Inthis arrangement, foot engagement ends 42 are positioned in spaced apartrelation to one another, and each overtop of a respective aperture 27. Acoupling hole 57 is defined through a portion of each primary beam 36 inspaced relation to both foot engagement end 42 and sensor engagement end44.

Secondary beams 38 are also formed from a substantially flat strip ofmetal having a length that is larger than its width, and a width that islarger than its thickness, e.g. a thin, elongate plate. Each secondarybeam 38 includes a foot engagement end 62 and a coupling end 64.Secondary beams 38 are generally shorter than primary beams 36, and arearranged within channels 29 of central surface 25 such that couplingends 64 are located within coupling hole 57 of an adjacent primary beam36. Each foot engagement end 62 includes a substantially “V” shapedpier-notch notch 68, a substantially “V” shaped tray-notch 70, a camlock 71 and a pair of platform support pads 72 a, 72 b (FIGS. 5 and 6).Pier-notch 68 and tray-notch 70 open onto different edges of footengagement end 62. Each coupling end 64 is sized and shaped to bereceived within coupling hole 57 of an adjacent primary beam 36. Abiasing spring 77 is positioned on central surface 25 directly beloweach secondary beam 38 so as to bias each coupling end 64 against aportion of the interior surface of primary beam 36 that defines couplinghole 57. In this arrangement, foot engagement ends 62 are positioned inspaced apart relation to one another, and each overtop of a respectiveaperture 27.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, each foot assembly 40 includes a base 80, anannular clamp-ring 82, a plurality of resilient beams 84, and a pier 86.More particularly, base 80, annular clamp-ring 82, and beams 84 arepreferably formed as an integral unit (e.g., by injection molding) fromone of the well known polymer materials that are suitable for use instructures requiring mechanical strength and integrity, e.g.,polyhalo-olefins, polyamides, polyolefins, polystyrenes, polyvinyls,polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyesters, polydienes, polyoxides,polyamides and polysulfides and their blends, copolymers and substitutedderivatives thereof.

Base 80 often comprises a cylinder defined by a cylindrical wall 90having a partial top wall 92 and central blind openings 94,95 (FIGS. 3and 7). Annular clamp-ring 82 is arranged in coaxial spaced relation toa top portion 93 of cylindrical wall 90, and includes at least twothrough-holes 96 and at least two recesses 98 that are arranged incircumferentially spaced relation to one another, e.g., at 90.degree.intervals around the circumference of the annular ring.

Plurality of resilient beams 84 are arranged in circumferentially spacedrelation to one another, e.g., at 90.degree. intervals around thecircumference of annular clamp-ring 82. Each beam 84 has a first end 100that is fixedly clamped (e.g., integrally molded, or the like) to topportion 93 of cylindrical wall 90 and a second end 102 that is fixedlyclamped to an inner surface 99 of annular clamp-ring 82. In this way,each beam 84 projects radially outwardly or away from top portion 93.

Advantageously, each second end 102 is fixedly clamped at a location oninner surface 99 of annular clamp-ring 82 that is circumferentiallyspaced away from the location on top portion 93 of cylindrical wall 90at which first end 100 is fixedly clamped to top portion 93 of base 80.The locations on annular clamp-ring 82 at which each second end 102 isfixedly clamped to inner surface 99 correspond to either one ofthrough-holes 96 or one of recesses 98. In order to facilitate thisarrangement, resilient beams 84 often have a compound curve contour,i.e., having curved sections defined by separate and spaced apartcenters, e.g., as in the letter “S” or the mathematical symbol for anintegral sign “.intg.”. Of course, while a beam 84 having a compoundcurve contour is preferable, other shapes and profiles of beam arepossible for use with the present invention. In any case, it is thecombination of the resilient spring properties of beams 84 and thetransversely off-set positioning of their fixed first and second endsthat provides for a high degree of compensation when unwanted rotationalmoments and twisting torques are applied to foot assemblies 40.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, pier 86 is preferably formed from a metal,and includes a leg 110 that projects downwardly from a plate 112. Acentral slot 114 is defined in plate 112, with knife-edge support 116formed in plate 112 at the bottom of slot 114. A pad 120 is oftenpositioned within blind opening 95 of base 80 in coaxially alignedrelation to leg 110 so as to provide for a non-slip engagement with asupport surface 125 (FIGS. 6-8).

Referring once again to FIG. 2, weight determination assembly 18 anddisplay 20 are of the type often used in the weighing scale arts. Forexample, the load cell having a bossed sensor plate taught in U.S. Pat.No. 6,417,466, hereby incorporated herein by reference, provides aweight determination assembly 18 that is adequate for use with thepresent invention. Briefly, such a weight determination assemblyincludes a sensor plate for use in a load cell comprising a planar firstsurface, a planar second surface opposite the first surface whichincludes a depression formed therein defining a flexure area. A loadcavity is formed in the second surface having a conical receptacle endfor receiving a strut. Sensors 126 are disposed over the flexure areafor generating a signal in response to a load applied to the loadingcavity, via interaction with sensor engagement ends 44 of primary beams36. The signal is communicated to display 20 via conductors 127. In thisway, the strut has a first conical projection end coupled to the conicalreceptacle end of the loading cavity and a second end coupled to a footmember such that the strut mechanically floats therebetween forproviding the applied load at a substantially central position at theload cavity. Weight determination assembly 18 may be mounted on achannel support 128 forming part of mounting tray 14. Display 20 maycomprise a known mechanical, electromechanical or electronic numericaldisplay panel of the types that are well known in the art for presentinganalog or digital numerical data, e.g., a rotary dial, LED, or LCDpanels or the like.

Scale 10 is assembled and functions in the following manner. Each footassembly 40 is first positioned for placement within mounting tray 14such that base 80 is arranged in confronting coaxially relation with anaperture 27. Once in this position, base 80 is moved toward and intoaperture 27 until annular clamp-ring 82 engages the portion of centralsurface 25 that defines the perimeter of aperture 27. As this occurs,mounting studs 140 slip into each of through-holes 96. Mounting studs140 are then bent over thereby clamping annular clamp-ring 82 securelyto mounting tray 14. As a result of this construction, recesses 98 arearranged in parallel aligned relation to slot 30. Once in this position,a pier 86 may be positioned within each foot assembly 40 by positioningleg 110 in confronting coaxial relation with central blind opening 94.Pier 86 is then moved toward base 80 until leg 110 engages the bottom ofcentral blind opening 94. In this position, slot 114 is arranged inparallel aligned relation with slot 30 in wall 24 and recesses 98 inannular clamp-ring 82.

Force transfer assembly 16 is assembled to foot assemblies 40 andmounting tray 14 by first inserting each coupling end 64 of eachsecondary beam 38 into it's corresponding coupling hole 57 of a primarybeam 36. Once in this position, the combined primary and secondary beamsare arranged in spaced confronting relation to channels 29 such thatfoot engagement ends 42 and 62 are positioned in confronting relation topiers 86 of foot assemblies 40 (FIGS. 3 and 5). Once in this position,primary and secondary beams 36,38 are moved toward foot assemblies 40such that pier-notches 48,68 enter slots 114 of piers 86, while at thesame time, cam locks 51,71 enter slots 30 in wall 24 of mounting tray14. When pier-notches 48,68 fully engage knife-edge 116 of piers 86,tray-notches 50,70 are seated against the edge of wall 24 that definesthe terminal edge of each slot 30.

As a result of this construction, mounting tray 14 is isolated fromsupport surface 125 via foot assemblies 40 and foot engagement ends42,62. In other words, mounting tray 14 is supported by the engagementof tray-notches 50,70 with the edge of wall 24 that defines the terminaledge of each slot 30. Primary beams 36 and secondary beams 38 are inturn supported upon each knife-edge 116 located within pier-notches 86.Thus, mounting tray 14 is isolated from support surface 125, i.e., itdoes not directly contact support surface 125. In this way, forcesapplied to weighing scale 10 by the placement of a load on platform 12are transferred to force transfer assembly 16, via foot assemblies 40,without direction interaction between the underside of mounting tray 14and support surface 125.

Referring once again to FIG. 2, when foot engagement ends 42,62 arefully assembled to foot assemblies 40, sensor engagement ends 44 ofprimary bending beams 36 are disposed in operative engagement with thedeflector area of the sensor plate within weight determination assembly18. With all of the foregoing components in place, platform 12 may besecured to mounting tray 14 such that a portion of the underside ofplatform 12 engages each of platform support pads 52 and 72 a or 72 b.

In operation, when a load is placed on plastic sheet 23 of platform 12,the force is transferred to force transfer assembly 16, via all four ofsupport pads 52,72, to weight determination assembly 18. Referring toFIG. 11, if support surface 125 is canted at some angle.alpha.,resilient beams 84 twist and/or bend so as to take up and compensate forthe resultant unwanted rotational moments or twisting torques beingapplied to primary beam 36 or secondary beam 38. In this way, knife edgesupport 116 is maintained in aligned contact with it's respectivepier-notches 48,68 so as to prevent changes in the load induceddeformation of primary beams 36 and secondary beams 38. In this way, theload induced deformation of primary beams 36 and secondary beams 38 issolely a function of the changes in the weight of the load applied toplatform 12. In other words, foot assemblies 40 in combination withprimary beams 36 and secondary beams 38 couple the load to the beamswithout significant affect from rotational moments or twisting torquesthat are applied to foot assemblies.

It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limitedonly to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in thedrawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within thescope of the claims.

1. A foot assembly for transferring a load from a platform to a base ofa weighing scale comprising: a base; a retaining member arranged incircumferential spaced relation to said base; and a plurality ofgenerally flat, deformable compensation beams projecting outwardly froma portion of said base so as to support said retaining member.
 2. Thefoot assembly according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of beamscomprise a compound curve contour.
 3. The foot assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said retaining member has at least two through-holes andat least two recesses that are arranged in circumferentially spacedrelation to one another.
 4. The foot assembly according to claim 1wherein each beam has a first end that is fixedly clamped to said baseand a second end that is fixedly clamped to said retaining member suchthat each second end is at a location on said retaining member that iscircumferentially spaced away from the location on said base at whichsaid first end is fixedly clamped.
 5. The foot assembly according toclaim 4 wherein said locations on said retaining member at which eachsecond end is fixedly clamped correspond to at least one of athroughhole and a recess.
 6. The foot assembly according to claim 1wherein said base includes at least one blind opening sized to receive aportion of a pier that includes a leg that projects downwardly from aplate and a slot that is defined in said plate and that terminates in aknife-edge support.
 7. A weighing scale comprising: a platform coupledto a mounting tray, said mounting tray including a plurality ofapertures; a plurality of force transfer beams; and a plurality of footassemblies positioned within said apertures and operativelyinterconnected to said plurality of force transfer beams, each of saidfoot assemblies including a base having a plurality of deformablecompensation beams projecting outwardly from said base to support aretaining member that is coupled to said mounting tray.
 8. A weighingscale according to claim 7 wherein each base of said foot assembliesincludes a cylindrical wall with said retaining member arranged inspaced relation thereto.
 9. A weighing scale according to claim 8wherein said retaining member includes at least two through-holes and atleast two recesses that are arranged in circumferentially spacedrelation to one another.
 10. A weighing scale according, to claim 7wherein said plurality of deformable beams are arranged incircumferentially spaced relation to one another around a circumferenceof said retaining member.
 11. A weighing scale according to claim 7wherein each deformable beam has a first end that is fixedly clamped tosaid base and a second end that is fixedly clamped to said retainingmember such that each second end is at a location on said retainingmember that is circumferentially spaced away from the location on saidbase at which said first end is fixedly clamped.
 12. A weighing scaleaccording to claim 11 wherein said locations on said retaining member atwhich each second end is fixedly clamped correspond to at least one of athroughhole and a recess.
 13. A weighing scale according to claim 7wherein each of said deformable beams comprises a compound curvecontour.
 14. A weighing scale according to claim 7 wherein said baseincludes at least one blind opening sized to receive a portion of a pierthat supports at least one of said force transfer beams.
 15. A weighingscale according to claim 14 wherein said pier includes a leg thatprojects downwardly from a plate and a slot that is defined in saidplate and that terminates in a knife-edge support for at least one ofsaid force transfer beams.
 16. A weighing scale comprising: a platformoperatively coupled to a plurality of foot assemblies, each footassembly comprising: a base having a bottom surface for contacting aportion of a floor; and a plurality of deformable compensation beamsprojecting outward from a portion of the base; a plurality of forcetransfer beams arranged to operatively interconnect to said plurality offoot assemblies; a mounting portion coupled to a bottom surface of saidplatform and associated with each of said plurality of foot assemblies;wherein in response to a force applied to a top surface of saidplatform, said force is translated to said mounting portion engagingsaid bottom surface without said platform contacting said force transferbeams, to cause a downward force to be applied to said foot assemblies,and wherein said deformable beams tend to locate said applied force at acentral position where said foot assemblies engage said force transferbeams.
 17. The weighing scale according to claim 16 wherein saidmounting portion comprises a mounting tray having a plurality ofapertures for receiving said foot assemblies.
 18. The weighing scaleaccording to claim 17 wherein said mounting tray includes a raisedperimeter portion which engages said bottom surface of said platform.19. The weighing scale according to claim 17 wherein said mounting trayincludes a plurality of slots for receiving corresponding ends of saidforce transfer beams.
 20. The weighing scale according to claim 16wherein said deformable beams comprises a compound curve contour. 21.The weighing scale according to claim 16 wherein said base includes atleast one blind opening sized to receive a portion of a pier associatedwith said force transfer beams.